I am looking for the least expensive but adequate mount in terms of stability and tracking for a C14 to be used for Lunar and planetary imaging. Will the old CGE mount handle it? Do I need to go to the new CGE Pro? Anyone with experience please chime in.

The CGE will be fine for the C-14, but there is a less expensive alternative. This alternative is the CI700 mount/tripod, which was Celestron's mount of choice just before the CGE and after the Losmandy. There are still many of these mounts (CI700) around and should be selling for about $1000 in good condition or slightly more. I own one of these mounts which I use with my C-14. Here's a picture...

I agree as well - if you wanted to do long exposure work then I'd probably suggest the Titan over the CGE Pro, but that's just me...

Seriously? When was the last time anyone's actually bought AND RECEIVED a Titan?

Regards,

skybsd

Yes, seriously - this is no joke! Moreover, regardless of the answer to your question, what does that have to do with the suitability of the mount for carrying a C-14?

I saw several Titan mounts at the WSP this spring. At least two of them were carrying C14's set up for photography. I also had a chance to see (and touch) a CGE Pro with a C14 mounted on it. Got the chance to just put my hand on the OTA with both mounts and give it a shake - and I have to say that the Titan was noticeably "stiffer" as a unit with the C14 then the CGE Pro was. And I already know the Titan is well suited for photography with that OTA.

So it really doesn't matter if there's been 10,000 sold or 10 - the mount works.

Don't get me wrong, the Titan is indeed a very capable mount, and given my own preferences towards Gemini, I MYSELF would love to have a Titan as my permanent mount.

My post really was only directed at the availability of the Titan and NOT its capabilities in carrying the C-14 for the suggested imaging tasks - alas, paying for and actually receiving a Titan is not straightforward.

Anyone waiting for a Titan mount will be waiting awhile! there is a 7-10 month backlog,,, it reminds me of the old days waiting for an astro-physics mount and there refractors. But custom built is generally better than mass produced stuff isn't it

Art's right about the CI-700 - that's easily the least expensive C14-capable mount commonly available. For folks wanting more reserve mount capacity in a fairly readily-available mount a used NJP is well worth considering.

Art's right about the CI-700 - that's easily the least expensive C14-capable mount commonly available. For folks wanting more reserve mount capacity in a fairly readily-available mount a used NJP is well worth considering.

I agree with the CI-700 recommendation 100% - and it really is more directly to the OP's question as to what the least expensive option would be.

My post really was only directed at the availability of the Titan and NOT its capabilities in carrying the C-14 for the suggested imaging tasks - alas, paying for and actually receiving a Titan is not straightforward.

Ah - ok, I get it! I'd have a Titan myself in a heartbeat if I could afford one. I think they're pretty under-recognized.

David - thanks! And you're quite right, you very rarely see them up for sale. Folks mostly keep them once they have one.